As we head into the holiday weekend, air quality across the state is currently good. Let's help keep it that way by exercising extreme caution with fireworks. Fireworks inject smoke into the atmosphere and are a leading cause of new fire starts around the 4th of July. A recent study found that between 1992 and 2012, the most common day for human-started fires was July 4, with over 7,000 fires starting on that day over the 20 year period (that's 388 fires per year just on one day!)
With warmer and drier weather expected Friday through the weekend and into next week, fire danger will begin to rise. While we still expect generally good air quality statewide, smoke impacts may occur near any new fire starts and in the immediate vicinity of firework activity.
Fireworks and Air Quality
Fireworks produce dense smoke made up of fine particle pollution and a mix of toxic metals and chemicals. Air quality monitors across the state consistently register elevated PM2.5 concentrations on July 4 and 5. PM2.5 concentrations typically increase rapidly after nightfall on July 4, peak before midnight, and gradually return to normal by the morning of July 5. In communities closest to celebrations, AQI levels can reach the Unhealthy range. Overcast weather conditions in Western Washington could allow smoke to linger throughout the day, as weak onshore flow and limited vertical mixing is expected.
Be Safe and Help Prevent Wildland Fires:
- Consider attending a public fireworks display rather than lighting fireworks at home.
- Fireworks are illegal on forest lands.
- Follow all local fireworks rules and restrictions. Check with local officials for your area.
- Where legal, ignite fireworks on a flat surface away from houses and dry vegetation.
- Keep a bucket of water or garden hose nearby to extinguish fireworks after use.
